EPA Clarifies Policy on Regulation of Ion-Generating Equipment
EPA is clarifying its position on the distinction between devices and pesticides with regard to ion-generating equipment and explaining why such equipment will now be regulated as a pesticide. The notice invites all interested parties to collaborate with the Agency in identifying data and other information needed to support registration of these products, and it establishes a process and a timeline for any manufacturers of this equipment to come into compliance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
The notice does not represent an action to regulate nanotechnology. While recent press articles have referred to the silver ion generating washing machine as a product of nanotechnology, EPA has not yet received any information that suggests that this product involves the use of nanomaterial. EPA will evaluate any applications to register this type of equipment according to the same regulatory standards as any other pesticide.
The Federal Register Notice on this matter can be found at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2007/September/Day-21/p18591.htm
Close Window